FAQ & Information
If you have any questions, feel free to send us them via email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
admin@blossomyears.com
What are the 2026 Term Dates ?
Pre-school TERM DATES – 2026 – for Bromley and Downham Pre-schools:
Summer Term
13th April – 17th July 2026
Closed Monday 4th May 2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
Closed Half Term – 25th – 29th May 2026
Closed Summer Break – 20th July – 04th September 2026
Autumn Term
07th September – 18th December 2026
Closed Half term – 26th – 30th October 2026
Do you offer funded childcare places ?
Yes, we do offer government funded hours / places at all of our settings. Funded places are subject to availability at the point of receipt of a completed registration form, to find out more information on how we offer funded hours / places please contact our administration team on t: 0800 002 9700 or e: admin@blossomyears.co.uk
If you are a family currently with us, then please contact our administration team on t: 0800 002 9700 or e: admin@blossomyears.co.uk who will be happy to help you further.
How can I apply for free childcare / funded hours?
To check if you are eligible for government funded hours please follow the links below
- Please follow this link for the government Tax free Childcare Scheme and all funding information for working parents. Please keep checking to see when / if you will be eligible. childcarechoices.gov.uk
- Please follow this link for the government ‘Together for 2’s’ funding scheme Together for 2s – Funded early education and childcare for two year olds (bromley.gov.uk)
If you are eligible for funding and you wish to find out more information on how we offer funded hours / places please contact our administration team on t: 0800 002 9700 or e: admin@blossomyears.co.uk
If you are a family currently with us, then please contact our administration team on t: 0800 002 9700 or e: admin@blossomyears.co.uk who will be happy to help you further.
Do you have any availability / spaces for my child to attend at preschool / nursery / site specific?
Yes, we currently have limited places available to offer. Places are subject to availability at the point of receipt of a completed registration form, to find out more information on how to book a visit please contact our administration team on t: 0800 002 9700 or e: admin@blossomyears.co.uk
What’s the difference between a nursery and a preschool?
Day Nursery
Our day nurseries are open from 7.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. We are open 51 weeks a year, closing during the Christmas / New Year period. Parents are advised of the closure dates in advance so they can arrange their childcare cover. We are also closed all Public/ Bank Holidays.
We provide all snacks, meals and drinks.
Parents provide any formula milk, nappies, wipes, creams that maybe required.
Preschool
Our Nightingale Lane preschool is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. We are open 38 weeks a year, term time only. Closing during the school holidays in line with London Borough of Bromley. Parents are advised of the closure dates in advance so they can arrange their childcare cover. We are also closed all Public/ Bank Holidays during term time.
Our Valeswood preschool is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. We are open 38 weeks a year, term time only. Closing during the school holidays in line with London Borough of Bromley. Parents are advised of the closure dates in advance so they can arrange their childcare cover. We are also closed all Public/ Bank Holidays during term time.
We provide snacks and drinks for all children. The children who attend the lunch time period bring a packed lunch in from home.
Parents provide any nappies, wipes, creams that maybe required.
What are your opening times?
Our day nurseries are open from 7.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. We are open 51 weeks a year, closing during the Christmas / New Year period. Parents are advised of the closure dates in advance so they can arrange their childcare cover. We are also closed all Public/ Bank Holidays.
Our Nightingale Lane preschool is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. We are open 38 weeks a year, term time only. Closing during the school holidays in line with London Borough of Bromley. Parents are advised of the closure dates in advance so they can arrange their childcare cover. We are also closed all Public/ Bank Holidays during term time.
Our Valeswood preschool is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. We are open 38 weeks a year, term time only. Closing during the school holidays in line with London Borough of Bromley. Parents are advised of the closure dates in advance so they can arrange their childcare cover. We are also closed all Public/ Bank Holidays during term time.
Do you offer term time only places?
Yes, we offer term time only places at our Nightingale Lane and Valeswood Preschools.
All meals and snacks are prepared by our cooks daily.
At our day nurseries we provide all drinks, and fresh snacks and meals which are prepared by our cooks daily.
Parents provide any formula milk.
All our sauces and soups are homemade and contain hidden vegetables
All food will be cut or mashed for younger children where appropriate
Allergens are catered for using alternative milk / cheese / pasta or breads where appropriate
Just a sample of some of our menu items:
- Selection of cereals, Weetabix, Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Toast, Yoghurt and mixed berries Served with Milk or water to drink.
- Rotated across the week options of -Veg sticks, Fresh fruit, Rice cakes, Crackers, Bread sticks, pitta bread fingers with spread and homemade dips
- Spaghetti Bolognese with hidden vegetables
- Vegetarian Option Lentil Bolognese with hidden vegetables
- Salmon tray bake with baby roast potatoes & vegetables
- Roast Vegetable tray bake with baby roast potatoes
- Thai green Chicken and vegetable curry with Rice
- Vegetarian Option Thai green vegetable curry with rice
- Cheese and Bean Pie
- Fish Goujons with chips
- Vegetable batons and chips
- Meals are served with portions of the following vegetables including – Carrots, peas, Courgettes, Spinach, cauliflower, peppers, Sweetcorn, broccoli. Other sides include Garlic Bread, Poppadoms side salads
- Natural Yoghurt Seasonal Fruit salad
- Natural yoghurt fruit puree
- Mixed fruits
- Natural Yoghurt
- Scrambled eggs or Omelette with cheese and or ham served with salad
- Beans on toast or warm crumpets
- Homemade Soup with Bread rolls
- Selection of Sandwiches with Vegetable batons
- Savory Muffins with Courgette or Sweet potato chips
What do I need to provide?
Day Nursery
We provide all snacks, meals and drinks.
Parents provide any formula milk, nappies, wipes, creams that maybe required.
Preschools
We provide snacks and drinks for all children. The children who attend the lunch time period bring a packed lunch in from home.
Parents provide any nappies, wipes, creams that maybe required.
How we approach SEN in our settings...
How we approach SEN in our settings: donwload here:
Starting Reception
Starting Reception
Starting school is an exciting milestone for children and families. To support a smooth and positive transition into Reception, please encourage parents and carers to access the Starting Reception resources:
- Starting Reception website: https://startingreception.co.uk/
- Starting Reception Guide (downloadable PDF): https://startingreception.co.uk/download
Starting Reception is a free, practical online resource designed to help families prepare their child for school through simple activities, helpful advice and clear guidance on key skills and routines that support confidence and readiness.
Additional resources include:
- Potty Training Guide (website): https://startingreception.co.uk/potty-training
- Potty Training Guide (downloadable PDF): https://startingreception.co.uk/download
- Children’s Toothbrushing Guide (website): https://startingreception.co.uk/toothbrushing
- Children’s Toothbrushing Guide (downloadable PDF): https://startingreception.co.uk/download
Best Start in Life – Preparing for School Campaign
As part of the Government’s Early Years Strategy, the Best Start in Life campaign brings together trusted advice to help families understand how everyday moments support children’s development.
This week saw the launch of Preparing for School, which supports parents and guardians of children starting school this September and highlights that readiness is about everyday skills, not just uniform.
At the heart of the campaign is the Steps for School song – a new music video featuring a rap by award-winning teacher-turned-rapper MC Grammar. The video highlights simple, practical steps parents can practice with their child to support their development and build confidence and independence.
Key resources include:
- Steps for School song (music video featuring MC Grammar): Steps for School Song | @Best Start in Life + @MC Grammar
- Preparing for School webpage: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/preparing-for-school/